In a thrilling start to the National League Division Series (NLDS), the New York Mets conjured another late-game rally, scoring five runs in the eighth inning to secure a 6-2 win over the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 1 on Saturday. The win continued the Mets’ recent run of late-game heroics, with Mark Vientos and Brandon Nimmo playing key roles in the comeback against a pair of All-Star Phillies relievers.
The Mets faced a formidable challenge in Phillies ace Zack Wheeler, who dominated over seven innings. Wheeler held the Mets to just one hit, striking out nine with an impressive 30 swings-and-misses on 111 pitches. The Phillies carried a 1-0 lead into the eighth inning, thanks to Wheeler’s command and an early run.
But after Wheeler’s departure, the Mets capitalized on their chance against the Phillies’ bullpen. Jeff Hoffman, the losing pitcher, and fellow reliever Matt Strahm couldn’t contain the late surge from New York. It was a continuation of the Mets’ eventful week, which included a makeup doubleheader victory in Atlanta to clinch their postseason spot and a Wild Card Series triumph over Milwaukee.
The pivotal eighth inning began with Francisco Alvarez hitting a leadoff single off Hoffman. With the pressure mounting, Francisco Lindor battled back from an 0-2 count to draw a walk. Vientos, who has become a clutch performer for the Mets this postseason, then delivered a game-tying single. Brandon Nimmo followed with a go-ahead single, threading it past a drawn-in infield to give New York a 2-1 lead.
The Mets kept the pressure on, as pinch-hitter J.D. Martinez added an RBI single. Pete Alonso, who had come through with a critical three-run homer to seal the Wild Card Series against Milwaukee, and Starling Marte each contributed sacrifice flies. By the end of the inning, the Mets had built a commanding 5-1 lead and ignited celebrations in their dugout.
Nimmo added another RBI single in the ninth to stretch the lead to 6-1. The Phillies managed to add a run in the bottom of the ninth, but it was too little too late. Remarkably, all eight of the Mets’ hits were singles, with seven of them coming in the final two innings, underscoring the team’s ability to come through in the clutch.
After the final out, New York fans packed behind the visitors’ dugout at Citizens Bank Park, chanting “Let’s Go Mets! Let’s Go Mets!” as the players celebrated on the field. It was a scene that epitomized the Mets’ never-say-die spirit in October.
The victory marked another chapter in the Mets’ recent stretch of dramatic wins. Over their last six games, they’ve scored 18 runs in the eighth and ninth innings, establishing themselves as a team that thrives under pressure. The comeback also placed New York in rare company; they joined the 1980 Phillies and the 1999 Mets as the only teams to win consecutive playoff games after trailing in the eighth inning or later.
Game 1 of the NLDS showcased the Mets’ resilience and their knack for late-game heroics. As they prepare for Game 2, the Phillies will be looking to regroup, while the Mets aim to ride their momentum and inch closer to the National League Championship Series. With both teams aware of what’s at stake, Game 2 promises to deliver another intense battle.